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Register puts gays on level with pets and cars, says Lib

Paul Tatnell

A relationships register that recognises unmarried couples, opposite-sex and same-sex, has been described as an insult, with one Sydney Liberal saying it puts some relationships on the same level "as cats, dogs and cars".

City of Sydney Liberal councillor Shayne Mallard said politicians were too scared to approach civil unions or gay marriage despite several countries doing so and public support.

Cr Mallard, who has been in a same-sex relationship for a number of years, said the register was a step forward but ultimately an insult.

"My partner is Danish, and over in Denmark they are far more advanced and even have same-sex adoption laws," he said.

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"I would need to talk to my partner about whether we would want to register but I imagine he would not want to be registered as he would not be keen to be part of a second-best system.

"I am asked regularly: 'Why haven't you joined the [City of Sydney] register?'

"But what I always ask [is]: 'What else is registered?'

"It's the same [as] dogs, cats and cars getting registered [and] it is an insult that [our relationship] is not properly recognised."

NSW Parliament passed the registry provision late last night despite several Coalition members opposing the Labor Party's bill. Liberal leader Barry O'Farrell gave his party a conscience vote, with shadow attorney-general Greg Smith stating the bill undermined family values.

"The passing of this bill will be another increment in the undermining and destruction of marriage and the traditional family," he said.

Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said the registry would now provide unmarried couples "with one document that helps prove their relationship, and [they] will be spared the frustration of constantly having to supply agencies with large amounts of paperwork".

"The opposition's decision to allow a conscience vote proves they are not committed to removing discrimination against unmarried people in committed relationships," he said.

"In fact, shadow attorney-general Greg Smith has previously said he 'objects' to putting same-sex couples 'on the same level' as de facto heterosexual couples and his refusal to back this register only reaffirms his prejudices and denies unmarried couples rights and entitlements."

Cr Mallard admitted his support of civil unions was sometimes difficult to navigate within his party but said it had not affected his chances of one day entering Parliament.

"The fact I was mentioned for [preselection for the seat of] Wentworth shows society has stepped past the gay tag ... and I am very proud to broaden this party," he said.

"I think people accept that there is a deference on policy ... and I am a conviction politician."